Canadian discount airline grounded

Published on September 19, 1996.

CALGARY -- One of Canada's budding discount airlines was grounded onSeptember 18 by Transport Canada in a dispute over maintenance procedures,sending hundreds of travelers scrambling to make alternate plans.

Six-month-old WestJet Airlines, based in Calgary and serving WesternCanada, had its four Boeing 737s removed from service. WestJet executivessay they expect to have their jets back in the air in a couple of weeksonce some paperwork is sorted out.

Transport Canada officials say there are specific record keepingrequirements all airlines must meet which WestJet has failed to do. Atissue is WestJet's maintenance-control manual. Rival airlines were honoringWestJet tickets yesterday on a standby basis.